by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — The last GLADA dance is set and nine competitors have their partner trotters ready to roll. Hazel Park wrote the race for 1-1/4 miles to equal or top the excitement of the extended race last Monday, and eager amateurs signed right up, ready to test themselves and their horses at that distance.

As the meet draws to a close, the amateur drivers can look back on a very exciting summer of driving sponsored graciously by Hazel Park. The money raised from dues and starting fees will be given out this fall as scholarships to Michigan students interested and involved in harness racing — a great win-win result for everyone. The drivers have enjoyed the thrilling competition and the students can further their education.

The lucky one hole has Mike Sweeney driving the aptly named horse Headed For Glory and frequent competitor Jim Ingersoll steers his own Caballo Diablo from the two. Mike Mitchell is in the sulky behind Travlin Butch from post three and Bob Barella drives Hallway To Heaven from the four. Harlan Pepper will leave from the five with Richard Wheeler at the controls and Howmuchubench will push the gate away from the six hole with club president Steve Oldford in charge. Watch out for Hay Look Out with Patricia Miller in post seven, and Biggie Size, driven by Kelly Walker, will zip out from the eight hole. Wayne Carter will leave from the nine with his own Tazer to complete the field.

Hazel Park is sponsoring the annual GLADA banquet in the clubhouse following the race, carded as the first one on Monday (August 22). All GLADA drivers and a companion are invited and urged to attend. Prizes will be awarded and the champion named who will get to drive in the amateur driving club final during Little Brown Jug week at Delaware. Also, a photo of all drivers will be taken just after the second race in the winner’s circle; bring your colors and be ready to be snapped.

It’s the last chance to see the amateurs in action this summer and the race promises to be a repeat of last week’s challenging 1-1/4 mile attempt. Thanks to Hazel Park for a great meet.